Discover the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston
The Mary Baker Eddy Library, opened in 2002, is situated within the Christian Science Center on Massachusetts Avenue in Boston. It is housed within part of the impressive 11-story building originally constructed for the Christian Science Publishing Society. Through a range of exhibits, educational programmes, and research papers the Library is one institution among many, dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science.
Who Was Mary Baker Eddy?
Founding Christian Science
Born in Bow, New Hampshire, in 1821, Mary Baker Eddy led an incredibly resilient and determined life. She was plagued by personal challenges, including illness, loss, and societal limitations. After the early death of her first husband and a series of health crises, she turned to the Bible for comfort and guidance.
Despite these hardships, Eddy's spiritual disposition led her to a deep study of the scriptures eventually led to a transformative healing experience in 1866, which she later recognized as the foundation of Christian Science. Christian Science is a religious movement focused on healing through an understanding of God.
This discovery propelled her to dedicate her life to exploring the principles of spiritual healing, teaching others, and establishing a movement that would grow on a global scale. Details of the faith are outlined in her seminal work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.
Mary Baker Eddy Writings
In addition to Science and Health, she wrote 16 other titles and maintained correspondence with followers of the faith and leaders in various fields. Her writings continue to be central to the practice of Christian Science, and her legacy lives on through the institutions she founded, including The Church of Christ, Scientist, and The Christian Science Monitor, a respected international newspaper.
Features of the Mary Baker Eddy Library
The Mary Baker Eddy Library is housed in the Christian Science Publishing Society building, a key structure within the Christian Science Center in Boston. This historic building, designed by Chester Lindsay Churchill and constructed from limestone and granite, has been a cornerstone of the Christian Science community since its establishment.
Initially, the building was home to all publishing-related activities of the Church, including the operation of massive printing presses and bindery equipment. The engravings on its exterior, featuring words like "Purity," "Mercy," "Peace," and "Hope," reflect the values of the Christian Science faith.
The Mapparium
One of the library's most iconic features is the Mapparium, a three-story stained-glass globe that shows the world as it was in 1935. This inverted globe, composed of 608 stained-glass panels, allows visitors to walk through its center on a glass bridge. It is a unique, undistorted perspective of the world. The Mapparium also has fascinating acoustic properties, creating an echo chamber effect that allows visitors to hear their voices in surround sound.
Since its creation, the Mapparium has become a historical artifact in its own right. Key changes in the world, such as Africa's transition from colonial rule to independence, are highlighted through an engaging LED light show and an original orchestration of words and music. The complementary exhibit, "The Mapparium: An Inside View," showcases letters, documents, and artifacts that reveal the history and significance of the structure.
Exhibits and Research
Beyond the Mapparium, the Mary Baker Eddy Library contains a large collection of original materials related to Eddy's life and work. These include personal documents, photographs, books, and artifacts. There are also over 460 historic Bibles, original letters and manuscripts, and documents related to Christian Science's impact on global events.
The Library's mission is to offer public access to these resources, promoting independent inquiry and scholarship. Visitors can explore these materials in person at the range of exhibits on offer or through the Library's online archives.
Notable exhibits include:
- "Sensational Press, Radical Response”: Explores the media's portrayal of Mary Baker Eddy.
- "Celebrating 100 Years of Christian Scientists in Military Chaplaincy”: Honoring the contributions of Christian Science believers in the armed forces.
- "How Do You See the World?”: An interactive touch table, providing access to the library's extensive collection on the history of Christian Science.
- The Quest Gallery: Allows visitors to learn about Eddy's life and the evolution of her ideas.
The Library also runs a variety of public programs, including lectures, workshops, and discussions that explore the history of Christian Science, the role of spirituality in healing, and other topics related to Eddy's teachings.
There is also a research room on the fourth floor. Here scholars and historians can delve into the extensive collections of Mary Baker Eddy's original materials. The research room is open to the public for on-site visits from Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, with no appointments necessary.
Mary Baker Eddy’s Lasting Legacy
Mary Baker Eddy's influence extends far beyond her lifetime. The institutions she established continue to thrive, and her teachings on spirituality and healing remain relevant today. The Mary Baker Eddy Library plays a crucial role in preserving this legacy, offering a space where individuals can explore the origins of Christian Science and engage with the details of Eddy's life.
Visiting the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston
The Mary Baker Eddy Library is located in Boston's historic Back Bay neighborhood. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with nearby stops on the Green Line at Prudential, Symphony, and Hynes Convention Center stations. For those driving, limited parking is available at a reduced rate for library visitors.
Upon arrival, visitors can explore the various exhibits and take a guided tour of the Mapparium. Tours of the Mapparium run every 20 minutes, and include a presentation on the history and acoustics of the globe. Photography is not permitted inside the Mapparium, and flash photography or videotaping is restricted throughout the museum.
Tips for Visiting
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: To ensure entry and avoid long lines, consider purchasing your tickets online. This also allows you to select your preferred time for the Mapparium tour.
- Accessibility: The Library is wheelchair accessible, including street entrances and elevators. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask at the Welcome Hall.
- Enjoy Nearby Attractions: The Library is located near other notable Boston landmarks, such as Symphony Hall and the Prudential Center. Consider exploring the surrounding area to make the most of your visit to Boston.
Beyond the Mary Baker Eddy Library with CityDays
After your visit to the Mary Baker Eddy Library, why not continue your exploration of Boston with a unique adventure? CityDays scavenger hunts in Boston guide you through the city with clues, or immersive story trails that place you in the midst of Boston’s rich past.
Embark on a riddle-filled journey through Boston's historic center, on the Finding Freedom Hunt where each clue brings you closer to the city’s revolutionary past. Encounter founding fathers, champions of equality, a British monarch with a dubious lineage, and a stand-off between political giants as you solve entertaining puzzles woven into the city’s streets.
